It sounds like a throwaway question: “When do you take final payment?” But for interior designers, the answer is rarely simple. The timing of that last check can expose issues in the contract, the client relationship, and the designer’s own business model. Sometimes it’s collected too late. Sometimes it’s tied to an arbitrary milestone. Sometimes
It starts innocently enough. Your best friend needs help picking a rug. Your cousin bought a house and wants to “run a few ideas by you.” Your sister-in-law thinks it would be “so fun” to redo her guest room together. And before you know it, you’re knee-deep in hours of unpaid work, friends and family,
How Do You Charge Friends and Family for Design Work Without Regret? Read More »
Nothing wrecks a project timeline faster than a GC who implodes halfway through. One day, they’re promising timelines and updates. Next, you’re fielding frantic calls,
Should Interior Designers Charge for Fixing Contractor Issues? Read More »
Tracking your revenue isn’t just an accounting task; it’s part of your survival. With more designers offering full-service projects that include both sourcing and services, the financial side of design is only getting more complex.
How Designers Track Product vs. Service Revenue without Losing Their Minds Read More »
Many of you have shared concerns about having the tariff talk with your client. You’re definitely not alone. This issue is causing anxiety throughout the interior design industry. But there’s good news: addressing it proactively can turn this challenge into an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism and strengthen client trust. The Power of Proactive Client Conversation
Tariff Talk: The Client Conversation You Need to Have Read More »
Struggling to communicate your value as an interior designer? Learn how to position yourself as a luxury service, educate clients through storytelling, set strong boundaries, and let your portfolio do the selling—before they even question your worth.
How to Establish Your Value as an Interior Designer from the Beginning Read More »
Struggling with pricing procurement? Learn how to use cost-plus pricing for interior designers, handle client pushback, and structure fees for maximum profitability.
Cost Plus Pricing for Interior Designers: Smart Strategies to Stay Profitable Read More »
Discover the best invoicing software for interior designers, from QuickBooks and Studio Designer to Zoho Books. Compare features and find the perfect tool for your business.
Want to build a resilient design business? Discover creative ways interior designers diversify income streams, from courses to consulting, products, and more.
Design is evolving fast, and so are expectations on creative entrepreneurs. In this refreshed feature, we share insights from Sharon Sherman, the designer behind Thyme & Place Design in Bergen County, New Jersey. Sharon blends artistry with operations, and her message to the trade is simple: You can serve clients sincerely and run a profitable
Redefining Design, Sharon Sherman on Educating Designers and Growing Profit Read More »
